To be eligible for a license as a branch pilot for the ports within the jurisdiction of the board, a person must:

1. (1) be at least 25 years of age and younger than 68 years of age unless exempted under the provisions of Section 69.040(b);
2. (2) be a United States citizen;
3. (3) as of the date the license is issued, have resided continuously in this state for at least two years;
4. (4) have at least one year's service as a deputy branch pilot or equivalent service piloting vessels of at least 5,000 gross tons within the board's jurisdiction;
5. (5) have successfully completed the board-approved training program;
6. (6) have commanded or controlled the navigation of vessels such as the person would pilot;
7. (7) have extensive experience in the docking and undocking of vessels;
8. (8) be in good mental and physical health;
9. (9) have good moral character;
10. (10) possess the requisite skill as a navigator and pilot to perform competently and safely the duties of a branch pilot; and
11. (11) hold a license under federal law to act as a pilot on vessels that navigate water on which the applicant will furnish pilot services.

Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 745, Sec. 1, eff. June 20, 2003.